Charity signs up for social prescribing scheme

A social prescribing scheme has signed up its first charity referral partner.

Bailiwick Social Prescribing said it was collaborating with Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG on providing non-medical support to clients.

It said nurses at the charity could now refer clients directly to link workers who could connect them to community resources to improve their overall wellbeing.

Caroline Ogier, manager at Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG, said the partnership "means we can connect clients directly to the right support, helping them take practical steps towards better long-term health and wellbeing".

Bailiwick Social Prescribing is a scheme that aims to improve people's physical and mental health by giving them free or low-cost non-medical support.

Adults can have up to six sessions where they could be linked with sources of non-medical support, helping to improve their health and wellbeing.

Some of the non-medical services offered include community classes, singing sessions and indoor climbing.

Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG provides free cardiovascular risk screening every five years for people aged 25 to 75, alongside blood pressure and cholesterol checks for adults between 25 and 70.

Ms Ogier said the partnership would help improve the wellbeing of clients.

"Many people want to make changes following their screening, but don't always know what is available to them," she said.

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